Among those returning is Rick Moranis, who has been out of the spotlight for nearly three decades.
WASHINGTON — Amazon MGM Studios has officially announced the cast of its long-anticipated “Spaceballs” sequel, featuring original stars Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and George Wyner returning.
Joining them in new roles are Josh Gad, Keke Palmer, Lewis Pullman and Anthony Carrigan.
The studio announced Thursday that the film is now officially in production and will hit theaters in 2027.
The first “Spaceballs” film starred Pullman as Lone Star, Zuniga as Princess Vespa, and Moranis as Dark Helmet, a characture inspired by Darth Vader, with Brooks in various roles. The sequel is expected to bring in a new generation of characters, though their specific roles are currently undisclosed.
The sequel arrives nearly 40 years after the original 1987 sci-fi spoof that parodied “Star Wars” and achieved cult comedy status. Brooks, who turned 99 this year, will return as Yogurt and will also serve as a producer.
Moranis’ casting is particularly noteworthy as it marks one of his rare on-screen appearances following almost three decades away from the film industry. Known for “Ghostbusters,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and the “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” series, he left Hollywood to focus on raising his children after his wife’s passing. His last film role was in 1997’s “Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves.” Apart from a commercial in 2020, Moranis has largely remained out of the public eye until now.
Gad is not only starring in the sequel but will also be a producer and co-writer, collaborating with Benji Samit and Dan Hernandez. Josh Greenbaum will direct the film.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the studio humorously described the film as a “Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.”
Amazon MGM on Thursday also shared a special first look at the cast as they participated in their official table read.
